Elemental composition of suspended particulate matter and sediments in the coastal environment of Thermaikos Bay, Greece: Delineating the impact of inland waters and wastewaters

Abstract

An integrate study on the occurrence of major, minor and trace elements in the coastal environment of Thermaikos Gulf, Northern Aegean Sea, was carried out. The elemental composition of marine sediments and suspended particulate matter from Thermaikos Bay as well as the composition of suspended particles from various inland water (3 rivers and 4 streams) and wastewater (4 types of municipal and industrial origin) end up to the gulf was investigated during the period 2005–2006. The elemental profiles and characteristics of particulate matter from the examined water-types were discussed. The pollution status of marine sediments was evaluated by employing enrichment factors and sediment quality guidelines (TEL/PEL, ERM/ERL). Zn, Cu, Pb, As and Ag were found to have significant contribution from anthropogenic sources. Sites located at the northern part of the bay exhibited higher pollution indices and can be considered of medium-high priority. Principal Component Analysis was employed to find out the factors affecting the composition of the sediments and suspended particulate matter and to elucidate similarities/dissimilarities in the elemental profiles between the different water-types.